Mappin & Webb Silverplated Casket - Date & Scenes ?

[collecting.dust]

Hello all

I have been trying to research the mark on this casket - without much luck.The little initials in the diamond shape under the word Mappin are AB.

I read somewhere M&W often marked the qualilty of the plate ?
Does anyone have a reference for Mappin & Webb Marks ?

Every square inch of this is highly decorated. The scenes on the top seem to show Holy Wars ? Christian ? Crusades ?
The other rather elaborate side decoration seems loosely of celtic ?? Carolingian ?

The silk (it is definitely silk) lining is good on the lower interior of the box but pretty threadbare on the lid.

Its a largish piece - 8 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches and stands 4 1/4 inches tall.

I posted two pics as seems to be the norm - but have put links to lots of other pics. I do have lots more showing close up deatil but did not want to overdo the links

Thanks In Advance for your help





http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin2.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin3.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin4.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin5.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin8.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... appin9.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.diamondsparkle.pwp.blueyonde ... ppin10.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[collecting.dust]

I should have asked - Can anyone tell me precisely when this M&W mark was used ?
Just trying to date this more preceisely.

Also if you can tell me anything else about it - scenes etc.

Much appreciated

Debbie

[paulh]

This looks like an electrotype to me. This was a method of copying an original piece by taking a mould and building a replica by electro-deposition. Elkington were the masters of the art, but other companies such as Mappin & Webb and Walker and Hall also produced pieces in this way.

Their main source of "originals" for copying was the British Museum. Mappin & Webb on Regent St, London might also be able to shed some light on to its origins.

Paul.

[collecting.dust]

Hello Paul

Thank you for that - I will check out the museum website - it would be interesting to find the original

Cheers

Debbie